Voters accuse Nigerian Police of disrupting collation in Port Harcourt

Voters have accused the Nigerian Police of disrupting the collation process during the local government elections. The incident occurred at the collation center for Ward 19 in Elekahia, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.

According to eyewitnesses, the police allegedly entered the center, firing shots and deploying teargas, which led to chaos and disruption. Ballot papers were reportedly scattered at the entrance of the collation center.

The voting process had concluded, and counting was underway when the disruption took place. Despite the absence of police personnel to provide their account of events, the Rivers State Police Command has assured that an official statement will be released regarding the incident.

This disruption comes amid significant controversy surrounding the local government elections, including a court order directing the police not to participate. Nevertheless, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) proceeded with the elections as planned on October 5th, 2024, undeterred by the police's non-participation.

Adding to the tension, earlier in the day, the secretariat of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress, led by Tony Okocha, was targeted by an explosion. The blast, which occurred around 3:20 am, damaged the gate and doors of the secretariat.

Okocha attributed the attack to political motivations, implicating Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who had previously made contentious statements regarding the elections.